Grand Canyon flushing experiment criticised

With creationists arguing over its formation, and lengthy disputes over land rights, the Grand Canyon has often been the focus of controversy. Now a row has broken out just days before the start of an experiment designed to repair environmental damage to the area.

Since 1963, a nearby hydroelectric dam has restricted the flow of the Colorado river through the canyon, causing sediment to build up behind the dam, and sandbars downstream to erode more quickly. Non-native species, such as the channel catfish, have prospered in the new conditions, but the number of humpback chub, a fish unique to the area, has dropped sharply.

Under a plan by the US Department of the Interior, the dam gates were due to be opened on Thursday to wash out the sediment and repair sandbars. The flush won't be made again until 2013 at the earliest, but it should be made every ...

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